GCHQ will sell cyberdefence tech to private firms

The GCHQ, Britain's secret intelligence agency, is to market some of its security technologies to companies in the
private sector, in an attempt to bolster defences against the
foreboding threat of cyberwarfare.

That is the main takeaway of the government's " cyber security strategy", which was unveiled this month. £650m
in public funding has been earmarked to set up a four-year National
Cyber Security Programme, a percentage of which will be used to
collaborate with private companies.

Francis Maude, the minister for cybersecurity, said, "The
strategy heralds a new era of unprecedented co-operation between
the government and industry on cybersecurity, working hand in hand
to make the UK one of the most secure places in the world to do
business."

Companies in industries like defence, telecoms, finance,
pharmaceuticals and energy
-- ones that own and manage the country's critical infrastructure
-- will get their hands on information and anti-cyberwarfare
technology to "ensure key data and systems continue to be safe and
resilient."

Other approaches to tackling cyberattacks include working with other countries to impose
cross-border law and "deny safe havens to cybercriminals", make
agreements with ISPs to help identify malicious activity on their
systems and encourage UK courts to use existing powers to "impose
appropriate online sanctions for online offences."

TheGuardianreports that this could mean banning criminals from owning more
than one mobile phone or more than one email address. Police and
courts can also restrict internet use, and block access to instant
messaging services.

A pilot cybersecurity hub will opened in December 2011, and
involve companies from key sectors. If successful, the hub will
expand in March 2012 and invite other business from various
industries to join the program.

Edited by Duncan Geere

Comments

Im not sure if I think this is a good or bad idea. "Police and courts can also restrict internet use, and block access to instant messaging services." feels a bit... off. But I guess it would only be for convicted cyber criminals.